Saba, the smallest of the Dutch Caribbean islands, is turning an invasive species problem into a tasty opportunity to practice culinary conservation. In an effort to protect the island’s ecosystem from invasive lionfish, which are native to the Indo-Pacific, Saban residents are serving the species in local restaurants.
The population of lionfish in the Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea has exploded in the last few years, reaping havoc on the fish populations in these warm waters, where the extremely venomous lionfish has very few predators. In order to aid in the conservation, many restaurants on the island have begun incorporating the unusual delicacy into their menus, such as The Brigadoon, one of the island’s most popular food haunts in the town of Windwardside, which offers a grilled lionfish seafood special. Saba’s newest restaurant and bar, The Hideaway, is also serving lionfish prepared with a side of zesty creole cocktail sauce, tangy key lime tartar sauce and chips.
The nearby Juliana’s Hotel is the perfect place for your clients to relax. The 14-guestroom property features a range of accommodations, from comfortable Garden View rooms to the more luxurious cottages, plus a restaurant, a pool and a hot tub. Rates for a single Garden View room start at $125 during the summer; $140 during the winter season. For more information, visit sabatourism.com or julianas-hotel.com.
